Seat gap member

ABSTRACT

A seat gap member having a gap surface and a mounting portion extending from the gap surface configured to substantially prevent accumulation of debris in the gap. The mounting portion provides one or more mounting surfaces capable of contacting one or more of a seat or vehicle structure. The gap surface is configured to fill the gap and contact of the mounting with the seat or the vehicle structure is sufficient to retain positioning of the gap surface. A vehicle and method for filling a gap adjacent to a vehicle seat is also disclosed.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Non-Provisional application of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/990,528, filed Nov. 27, 2007, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to devices for filling gaps formed between seats and nearby structures. In particular, the present invention is directed to devices for filling gaps between automotive seats and center consoles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As automotive designs have departed from single bench designs in favor of single seat designs, often referred to as bucket seats, having center consoles, problems have developed with gaps forming between the individual seats and the consoles or other structures. The gaps formed provide space for trash, pens, spills or other debris to undesirably accumulate. In addition, the gaps provide spaces that are difficult to clean or access.

One proposed method of reducing the gap includes designing the seat to have little or no gap between the seat and the console. Closing the gaps between seats and consoles or other structures by vehicle design requires increased manufacturing complexity due to the space restrictions to install the seat and increased seating material, which may increase the material and fabrication cost. Likewise, sheets or covers over the seat and gap are not aesthetically pleasing and may interfere with the access and/or operation of the center console.

Therefore, what is needed is an inexpensive device that fills the gaps formed by individual seat designs, particularly when adjacent to center consoles, that is easily installed, does not interfere with the access or operation of the center console and is aesthetically pleasing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the present disclosure includes a seat gap member having a gap surface and a mounting portion extending from the gap surface configured to substantially prevent accumulation of debris in the gap. The mounting portion provides one or more mounting surfaces capable of contacting one or more of a seat or vehicle structure. The gap surface is configured to fill the gap, and contact of the mounting portion with the seat or the vehicle structure is sufficient to retain positioning of the gap surface.

Another aspect of the present disclosure includes a vehicle having at least one seat, a console arranged and disposed in close proximity to the at least one seat and a gap formed between the at least one seat and the console. The vehicle also includes a seat gap member arranged and disposed within the gap. The seat gap member includes a gap surface configured to substantially prevent accumulation of debris in the gap, and a mounting portion extending from the gap surface. The mounting surface portion provides one or more mounting surfaces capable of contacting one or more of a seat or vehicle structure. The gap surface is configured to fill a gap adjacent to the seat, and contact of the mounting portion with the seat or the vehicle structure is sufficient to retain positioning of the gap surface.

Still another aspect of the present disclosure includes a method for filling a gap adjacent to a vehicle seat. The method includes providing at least one vehicle seat, providing a console arranged and disposed in close proximity to the at least one vehicle seat with a gap formed between the at least one vehicle seat and the console; and directing a seat gap member into the gap. The seat gap member includes a gap surface configured to substantially prevent accumulation of debris in the gap, and a mounting portion extending from the gap surface. The seat gap member provides one or more mounting surfaces capable of contacting one or more of a seat or vehicle structure. The gap surface is configured to fill a gap adjacent o the vehicle seat, and contact of the mounting portion with the seat or the vehicle structure is sufficient to retain positioning of the gap surface.

An advantage of the present disclosure is that the seat gap member is easily fabricated from inexpensive, readily available materials.

Another advantage of the present disclosure is that the seat gap is easily installed and reduces or eliminates the accumulation of debris or other material in the gap formed adjacent to a vehicle seat.

Another advantage of the present disclosure is that the seat gap member may be configured to be aesthetically pleasing and/or functional.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following more detailed description of the preferred embodiment, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a top perspective view of a seat gap member according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 shows a top perspective view of a seat gap member according to another embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 shows a top perspective view of a seat gap member according to still another embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 shows a top perspective view of a seat gap member according to still another embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 shows a top perspective view of a seat gap member according to still another embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 shows a top perspective view of a vehicle environment according to an embodiment of the disclosure with a seat gap member being installed.

FIG. 7 shows a top perspective view of a vehicle environment according to another embodiment of the disclosure with a seat gap member being installed.

FIG. 8 shows a top perspective view of a vehicle environment according to an embodiment of the disclosure with seat gap members installed.

Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to represent the same parts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a seat gap member 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The seat gap member 100 includes a gap surface 101 having a surface configured to fill the gap adjacent to a vehicle seat. “Gap” and “gap adjacent to a vehicle seat” and grammatical variations thereof, as utilized herein, includes a space formed after the installation of a vehicle seat into a vehicle between the seat and another structure within the vehicle. Gaps 601 may be formed between two vehicle seats, between a vehicle seat and a console, between a seat and a vehicle door or between a vehicle seat and another vehicle structure (e.g., panel, body member, or wheel well) (see e.g., FIG. 6). The seat gap member 100 includes a mounting portion 103 extending from the gap surface 101. The mounting portion 103 includes mounting surfaces 105 that are configured to contact one or both of the vehicle seat or a structure in close proximity to the vehicle seat. In addition, the mounting surfaces 105 may contact the floor of the vehicle and provide vertical support. In addition to contacting the surface, the mounting surfaces 105 may engage or interlock the seat or the other structures, as desired. As shown in FIG. 1, the seat gap member 100 includes a wedge geometry that provides opposing mounting surfaces 105 that may wedge between a vehicle seat and, for example, a console. The seat gap member 100 includes a gap surface 101 that provides a surface that prevents debris or other material from entering the gap. The gap surface 101 is preferably substantially flat to reduce or prevent channeling of liquids or other flowable materials into the gap. In other embodiments, the gap surface 101 is contoured or textured to provide control of fluid flow or debris accumulation.

The seat gap member 100 may be fabricated from any suitable material that provides sufficient rigidity to maintain the gap surface 101 in position within the gap 601 during use. Suitable materials for fabricating the seat gap member 100 include, but are not limited to, foam, polymer, rubber, gel pads, styro-foam, paper, plastic, wood or wood like material. In another embodiment, the seat gap member 100 includes a mounting portion 103 that is a pliable and/or conformable material that can be fit into spaces of varying geometry.

FIG. 2 shows an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the mounting portion 103 includes a cutout portion 200. The cutout portion 200 includes a configuration that may conform or otherwise mate a vehicle structure within a gap 601 (see e.g., FIG. 6). The cutout portion 200 includes a space into which panels, structures, wheel wells, vehicle body portions may be positioned. Like in FIG. 1, the mounting portion 103 includes mounting surfaces 105 that are configured to contact, mate or engage one or more surfaces of the vehicle seat or other structures within the vehicle.

FIG. 3 shows another embodiment according to the present disclosure. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the mounting portion 103 includes at least one mounting surface that is conformed in a predetermined pattern 301. The pattern 301 may be any pattern that provides contact, engaging or mating with the seat or other vehicle structure. The pattern 301 may be configured for a particular vehicle or may be customized, as desired for installation into a vehicle. Likewise, the pattern 301 may include features or locking structures that further engage or support the seat gap member 100 in position.

FIG. 4 shows another embodiment according to the present disclosure. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the gap surface 101 includes a top layer 401. The top layer 401 may include a coating, facade or other material suitable for receiving debris or other material. The top layer 401 may include aesthetic features and/or functional features. For example, the top layer 401 may include a desirable color, design or other indicia. For example, the top layer 401 may include a paint or pigment that matches or otherwise complements the interior of the vehicle. Likewise, the top layer 401 may include fluid resistant or fluid proof material that resists spills of fluid or other flowable material. The top layer 401 may be substantially flat or may include contours or features. In embodiments of top layers 401 including contours or features, the contours or features may provide additional fluid and/or debris flow, control and/or accumulation. Other embodiments of top layers 401 may include, but are not limited to, grooves to hold items such as a pen, and/or may be colored to match color schemes for coporations, sports teams or other organizations or events.

FIG. 5 shows another embodiment according to the present disclosure. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the gap surface 101 includes a top layer 401 having a functional purpose. In this embodiment, the top layer 401 includes cupholders 501, which are configured to receive one or more sizes of drinks 503. The cupholders 501 may also be configured to provide other functionality, such as retaining pens, glasses, change or other suitable uses in which the top layer 401 fills the gap 601. While the above has been shown as including a particular configuration of top layer 401, the present disclosure is not so limited and may include other configurations and/or geometries of seat gap members 100 and top layers 401.

FIG. 6 shows a vehicle environment 600 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The vehicle environment 600 includes a pair of vehicle seats 603 arranged in close proximity to a console 605. The console 605 may include an armrest, a compartment, or other structure arranged between vehicle seats 603. A gap 601 is present between each vehicle seat 603 and the console 605. A seat gap member 100 is directed into the gap 601 in a horizontal direction. The vehicle environment 600 is not limited to the arrangement shown and may include more or less seats 603 and seats 603 having other designs, such as benches, partial benches, or other seating or structures that form gaps. In addition, the vehicle environment 600 is not limited to an automobile, but may include trucks, vans, minivans, sport utility vehicles, construction vehicles, aircraft, boat or any other vehicle utilizing seats 603 that are capable of forming a gap 601.

FIG. 7 shows a vehicle environment 600 having an arrangement substantially identical to the arrangement shown and described with respect to FIG. 6. In this embodiment the seat gap member 100 is directed into gap 601 in a vertical direction. While FIGS. 6 and 7 show the installation of the seat gap member 100 in horizontal and vertical directions, the present disclosure is not so limited and may include other configurations, as required by the vehicle design or the configuration of vehicle seats 603.

FIG. 8 shows a vehicle environment 600 having an arrangement substantially identical to the arrangement shown and described with respect to FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 8, the seat gap members 100 substantially fill the gap 601 and provide a gap surface 101 that catches or otherwise receives debris or other material, as it falls between the vehicle seat 603 and console 605. While the gap 601 has been shown and described as the gap between vehicle seat 603 and console 605, the disclosure is not so limited and may include gaps between the seat 603 and any structure within the vehicle in close proximity to the seat 603.

While the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. 

1. A seat gap member comprising: a gap surface configured to substantially prevent accumulation of debris in a gap adjacent to a vehicle seat; and a mounting portion extending from the gap surface and providing one or more mounting surfaces capable of contacting one or more of a seat or vehicle structure; wherein the gap surface is configured to fill the gap, and contact of the mounting portion with the seat or the vehicle structure is sufficient to retain positioning of the gap surface.
 2. The seat gap member of claim 1, wherein the gap surface further includes a top layer.
 3. The seat gap member of claim 1, wherein the top layer includes a painted coating.
 4. The seat gap member of claim 1, wherein the top layer includes a functional portion.
 5. The seat gap member of claim 1, wherein the top layer includes one or more openings configured to hold cups.
 6. The seat gap member of claim 1, wherein seat gap member includes a wedge-shaped geometry.
 7. The seat gap member of claim 1, wherein at least one of the one or more mounting surfaces includes a cutout.
 8. The seat gap member of claim 1, wherein at least one of the one or more mounting surfaces includes a pattern.
 9. A vehicle comprising at least one seat, a console arranged and disposed in close proximity to the at least one seat; a gap formed between the at least one seat and the console; and a seat gap member arranged and disposed within the gap, the seat gap member comprising: a gap surface configured to substantially prevent accumulation of debris in the gap; and a mounting portion extending from the gap surface and providing one or more mounting surfaces capable of contacting one or more of a seat or vehicle structure; wherein the gap surface is configured to fill the gap, and contact of the mounting portion with the seat or the vehicle structure is sufficient to retain positioning of the gap surface.
 10. The vehicle of claim 9, wherein the gap surface further includes a top layer.
 11. The vehicle of claim 9, wherein the top layer includes a painted coating.
 12. The vehicle of claim 9, wherein the top layer includes a functional portion.
 13. The vehicle of claim 12, wherein the top layer includes one or more openings configured to hold cups.
 14. The vehicle of claim 9, wherein seat gap member includes a wedge-shaped geometry.
 15. The vehicle of claim 9, wherein at least one of the one or more mounting surfaces includes a cutout.
 16. The vehicle of claim 9, wherein at least one of the one or more mounting surfaces includes a pattern.
 17. A method for filling a gap adjacent to a vehicle seat comprising: providing at least one vehicle seat, providing a console arranged and disposed in close proximity to the at least one vehicle seat with a gap formed between the at least one vehicle seat and the console; and directing a seat gap member into the gap, the seat gap member comprising: a gap surface configured to substantially prevent accumulation of debris in the gap; and a mounting portion extending from the gap surface and providing one or more mounting surfaces capable of contacting one or more of a vehicle seat or vehicle structure; wherein the gap surface is configured to fill the gap, and contact of the mounting portion with the seat or the vehicle structure is sufficient to retain positioning of the gap surface. 